1984 Los Angeles Olympics 500 Won

South Korea issued the 1984 500 Won coin as a gesture of Olympic solidarity, even though the games were taking place in Los Angeles, thousands of miles away.

This cupro-nickel piece features the Olympic rings encircled by a laurel wreath on one side, with the Korean national emblem on the reverse. Struck at the Korea Mint, it reflects the country's growing interest in global events during a period of political thaw. We don't know the exact mintage figures; records from that era can be spotty.

Design-wise, it's straightforward, avoiding the overblown symbolism that plagues some commemoratives. If you handle one, notice the edge reeding—it's crisp, a sign of decent quality control.

Collectors sometimes overlook it amid flashier issues, but that's their loss. As for myths, no, it won't bring Olympic glory to your collection.